How to import LCIA methods?

Question

Hi! I`m new to openLCA and was wondering how can I import LCIA methods. I have downloaded the free "openLCA LCIA methods" pack, but somehow it shows up as a database in the program.

Answer 1

Hi and welcome,
this is correct, you can import this database (as any other database) into another openLCA database, or vice versa, via file/import/import entire database. For some databases, like ecoinvent or Agri-footprint, we are providing the LCIA methods in the database therefore the import is not needed when you use one of these databases.
Best wishes,
Andreas

Comments

I have imported the .zolca file "openlca_lcia_methods_1_5_6_16.zolca" into openLCA, but when I click "Calculate" in the product system window, there are no impact assessment methods to choose from. Any ideas how to get past this problem? I am using the "elcd_3_2_greendelta_v2_16" database.

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Hi Pauli,
hm are you sure - if you have imported the methods, you will have them in the subfolder "Impact assessment methods", and then you will also be able to select one of them for the calculation?
Best
Andreas

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I think I finally solved the problem. I was looking for the LCIA methods in the "elcd_3_2_greendelta_v2_16" -database, where I have my product system, and that`s why the impact assessment methods folder was empty. I now found the impact assessment methods in the same folder under the "openlca_lcia_methods_1_5_6_16" -database.

Next question: Do I have to make a new flow, process and product system under this database to be able to use these LCIA-methods?

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Ah good. To combine both database contents, import one database into the other; open the database you want to import into, then select file, import, import entire database, and you can select files (zolca) and databases already in openLCA.